The free event at the island's Capitan Eduardo Toledo aerodrome marked the first anniversary of its opening, and saw thousands of locals and tourists staring up at the skies in awe.

Iron Eagle woos crowd.

Famous pilots from across North America took part in a variety of light aircraft, including Fred Cabanas from Key West, Florida; Gary Ward from Linconlton, Georgia; and the Iron Eagles team from Canaan, Connecticut.

But perhaps the biggest crowd-pleaser was Mexican pilot, Laura Romero, who drew especially loud applause from the ladies in the audience and proved that dare-devil flying stunts are not just for the boys.

Also representing the home country and showing off skills in the air was a squad from the Mexican Navy.

They bravely demonstrated search and rescue tecniques, including abseiling from a helicopter at head-spinning heights.

The event received praise from Cozumel's municipal president-elect, Aurelio JoaquÃ­n GonzÃ¡lez, who will be sworn in as the island's new mayor on April 10th.

Gary Ward performs stunts.

GonzÃ¡lez said 'air-tourism' is an important future market for Cozumel, adding that it will not only help bring more visitors to the island but also significant wealth, due to the affluent nature of this type of tourist.